Rhode Island town: Pull your weeds or pay a fine

June 6, 2018

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island town is trying to weed out unruly yards.

The Westerly Sun reports the Westerly Town Council enacted a measure Monday that sets a maximum height for weeds. Residents could be fined up to $50 per day if weeds on their property exceed six inches.

Council members say the measure was necessary after a Superior Court judge dismissed a case in which a resident was fined $2,275 for excessive weeds.

Some lawmakers were uncertain whether the measure would apply to grass lawns. Town Attorney William Conley Jr. told the Sun grass was covered.

In New London, Connecticut, a resident last year successfully appealed an order to cut her lawn after arguing her all-natural yard was filled with native plants.